Mules had a major moment in the ’90s, when minimalist dressing ruled and effortless polish was the goal. Fast forward, and not much has changed. Mules still deliver that same easy upgrade: more refined than sneakers, more interesting than flats, and just as simple to wear.
Their effortless polish has earned the mule wardrobe-staple status. Designers keep refreshing them, but the core appeal stays the same. They deliver clean lines, easy styling, and enough structure to pull an outfit together without trying too hard.
Read next: 10 must-have shoes for women
What are mules?
Mules are slip-on, backless shoes. They can be flat or heeled, and they mimic clogs, loafers, or pumps. Available in comfortable leathers and other textiles replete with warm linings and other fun fall touches, mules with covered toes are totally wearable in the cooler months. They can step perfectly into your upgraded casual outfits.
If you need an easy style upgrade, mules can carry the load. There are only two rules to know:
- Slip into a mule when you’d otherwise don a ballet flat or sneaker for instant polish.
- Mules are an excellent option on transition days that are too warm for boots and too cool for sandals.
Mules come in many varieties. Below are some of my favorite options, plus guidance on how to style them.
Stylish no-heel mules
Flat-soled mules are part-sandal, part-dress-shoe with maximum versatility.
How to wear them
You can slip into this style with many styles of ankle pants, including jeans, trousers, and leggings. This shoe looks especially chic with frayed-hem, ankle-length denim.
Midi length skirts and dresses with narrower silhouettes are also fabulous options.
Depending on the exact shoe style you buy, wide-legged pants and maxi-length skirts and dresses may be less successful paired with flat-soled mules. The shoe may be too sleek for a billowy bottom, especially when the hemline is close to your foot.
Read next: How to wear flats, according to Instagram
Chic kitten-heeled mules
A kitten heel is a dainty, low-height heel with a retro vibe. This style is a fun choice for the office or dinner with your conservative in-laws.
How to wear them
To play up that retro element, use kitten-heeled mules as the anchor for these polished ensembles:
- Cropped, straight-leg pant, blazer, and tie-neck blouse
- Skinny pant with a tunic and light trench coat
- Sheath dress and neck scarf
- Knee-length, A-line skirt and soft knit top
You can wear this shoe casually, too. Pair them with cuffed jeans and a sweater for an upgraded take on street style.
Read next: How to wear kitten heels
Bold block-heeled mules
Block-heeled mules have a chunky heel, making them more substantial than flat and kitten-heeled mules.
How to wear them
A block heel pairs nicely with wider-leg bottoms. And they also look amazing with a narrower pant, skirt, or dress and a hemline that hits no lower than your ankle.
A good rule of thumb is that you can wear block-heeled mules with the same clothes you’d wear with ankle boots. Try them with a knee-length shirt dress or a modern suit in a color that contrasts with the shoe.
Clog mules
Clog mules are a hybrid shoe that combines the structure of a clog with the slip-on ease of a mule.
How to wear them
There are three general guidelines for styling clogs:
- Choose a bold bottom with a flared shape
- Accentuate your waist
- Show off your ankles
Those guidelines come from my post on how to wear clogs. Jump over there to get more info and see some fun clog outfit ideas.
Trend turned classic
A few years back, I was writing about mules as a lingering fashion trend. Since then, mules have jumped off the trend cycle and evolved into a full-fledged classic. That’s great news, because the mules you shop this season can remain in your wardrobe rotation for years to come.
Even better, you’re now ready to wear mules with confidence, whether your days are filled with business meetings, city-sightseeing, or lunches with stylish friends.